"Money is not the issue in the price category that Michael is in. He will be making a decision based on sporting considerations. We are in serious negotiations with Chelsea in London."

The midfielders' contract at Bayern runs out at the end of the season. The 29-year-old has rejected a reported offer of 36 million euros (25 million pounds) to sign a new deal with the German champions.

"It was always clear that Michael was not interested in learning a new language or a new culture but rather a new currency," Hoeness told Kicker newspaper on Monday, mocking Ballack's earlier claims he wanted to learn a new language.